Upon approaching UCLA's Spaulding Field on Wednesday, the glaring image that stood out was the Bruin flag at half-staff. At that moment I was unsure of myself. I almost turned around and left, but the curiosity of this mighty Bruin was stronger than my hesitation to cross the line from athlete to reporter.
I was attending my first UCLA football practice since 1999. As much as I was excited to be back to see my alma mater with all the great things coach Jim Mora is doing, the circumstances that brought me here were solemn.
As practice broke and the team walked off the field, I had the opportunity to speak with Colby Cyburt, Carl Hulick and Taylor Lagace -- roommates of redshirt freshman Nick Pasquale, who passed away Sept. 8 after being struck by a car.
The conversation began with a somber tone, but quickly turned to smiles and laughter as the guys gave me a glimpse into the life of what made Nick so special.
How could there be so much energy and positivity days after losing a te...

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